Today's photos are a wallaby, young alpine goat, pancake rocks and Buller Gorge
Happy Tuesday everyone!
I had a long bus trip today from Franz Joseph Glacier to Nelson, a trip of about 7 hours. Of course, as I was going by city bus, we made a few stops. It allows us to stretch our legs, get a few snacks and see some of the sights, so it took us 10 hours.
Driving along the rugged west coast of NZ is on winding roads, crossing bridges and more swollen rivers. we hugged the coast most of the way so the views when the weather cleared were stunning. We stopped at a place called Pancake Rocks where the monolliths next to shore are compressed marine invertebrates and scientists have yet to figure out how they got so compressed. A mysterious marvel! of course, the blowholes were pretty spectacular as the ocean's thunder from down under sprayed on the rocks below.
We traveled through tiny towns, population 20 or less and many of the people in NZ are protesting the spraying of a poison called 1080 which is evidently supposed to cut down on the possum population, but is killing birds and other wildlife. Shame.
Anyway, we climbed up the mountain and came hurtling down on the other side of the passes. One of the places we stopped in Buller's Gorge was so high a few years ago, that the water was OVER THE ROAD! Amazing. We finally stopped in Nelson and I was picked up at the bus station and brought to a wonderful old house with a blacony and great views. Tomorrow I may hike or check out the town that sits on the cliffside.
Night,
Kerry
I just sat down to look at all of the photos and descriptions of your last few days. I am exhausted just thinking of all of your travels. I swear you have the energy of a 20 year old. You have seen some truly amazing things and I cannot thank you enough for sharing all of this with me. Your pictures are really quite beautiful. I would imagine you will be sleeping for a week by the time you get home. Enjoy the rest of your adventures and have a safe journey home.
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